The Lions would be comfortable heading into the 2014 season with LaAdrian Waddle and Corey Hilliard as their right tackles, according to GM Martin Mayhew, who says both players played “really good football” for the team last season. However, while Detroit likely won’t pursue an upgrade in free agency, the club could be open to adding a tackle early in the draft if the opportunity arises, writes Kyle Meinke of MLive.com. I still expect the Lions to address their secondary or add a receiver with that No. 10 pick, but they certainly could go in any number of directions. Here’s more out of Detroit:
- Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press looks at a few potential targets for the Lions in free agency and the draft, noting that free agent safety Chris Clemons could be an option for the team’s secondary. Birkett also acknowledges that the club could draft a tackle with the tenth overall pick, but currently has Detroit grabbing Texas A&M wide receiver Mike Evans — according to Birkett, several scouts he has spoken to in Indianapolis don’t believe the gap between Evans and top receiver Sammy Watkins is as big as it’s perceived to be.
- Under their previous coaching staff, the Lions eliminated traditional free safety and strong safety designations for defensive backs, opting for players capable of playing both roles. Under Jim Caldwell though, Detroit will once again differentiate between the two positions, which could affect which players the team pursues this offseason. Justin Rogers of MLive.com has the details.
- With Caldwell taking the reins, the team also could reintroduce a fullback to the offense, writes Birkett in a separate Free Press piece. We could see the Lions add a run-blocking fullback in free agency to compete with Montell Owens for the final spot in the backfield.
- Over at MLive.com, Meinke has a full list of prospects the Lions interviewed at this weekend’s combine.